'National progress hinges on farmers' welfare'

The progress of the nation hinges on that of the farmers and rural populace, Karnataka State Co-operative Apex Bank president K N Rajanna has said. Speaking after inaugurating an endowment lecture programme sponsored by the District Central Co-operative Bank in Tumkur University on Monday, Rajanna said that though software industry could help in progress of the nation, it cannot result in an inclusive growth. Software industry does not help in rural uplift and there had been no improvement in the quality of life in the rural areas.

He said that in order to secure financial empowerment, the farmers should get the right to decide the price for their produce. In fact, they should get judicious price for their produce. “The students of the university should accord equal priority to co-curricular activities as well. They should make efforts to understand the issues in the right perspective before plunging into any struggle,” he said.

Rajanna said that students should imbibe human qualities and should always strive for social welfare. He called upon students to be always optimistic in life. He said that the DCC bank had lent its hand for the development of the university and he too would extend his full co-operation for the purpose.Bengaluru-based economist Prof H A Shankaranarayana, who delivered the endowment lecture on “Development Economics” said that the future generations can lead a peaceful life only if they follow the development model based on the principles of co-operation.

“Globalisation was ushered in 1991 with the hope of achieving progress. There was some progress also. But, after 2007, the world has been recession. A huge gap has been created between economic growth and development,” he said.

He said that while there had been no rise in the sale of manufactured products, the number of unemployed persons had gone up. There had been a decline in the number of consumers too. “A system has come into existence wherein you provide job for 3,000 persons by investing Rs 2,600 crore,” he noted.

Though technology is essential for life, it is an irony that the very technology had been wiping out employment opportunities. Pointing out to economic disparity in the country he said that 70% of the people in the country had a monthly income of less than Rs 5,000. “Is it possible to expect a vibrant market in a system with such a high economic disparity?” he wanted to know. He called upon to follow the principle enunciated by Mahatma Gandhiji - low capital, more employment.

Vice Chancellor of Tumkur University Prof A J Rajasab said that the DCC bank had extended full co-operation for the development of the varsity since beginning. The bank has set up a Rs 32 lakh fund for awarding gold medals to meritorious students. Registrar Prof M Venkateshwarulu and others were present on the occasion.